“Don’t rush yourself ”
Slow travel and sidestepping chicken sashimi are wise moves, the Carlton AFLW star says
I got my first passport when…
I was 18 and planning my first trip to Europe. It was one of those typical whirlwind trips where you spend two days in each city and can’t remember anything when you get home.
My first holiday memory is…
Being so excited for our first big family holiday when I was in year eight. My parents drove us kids to Queensland. We usually went to the holiday park in Mount Beauty, which is about an hour and a half away.
I’ve been to...
So far, 10 countries. Off the top of my head that includes Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, Fiji, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ireland and Indonesia.
My favourite place in Australia is…
Markwood, outside Wangaratta in Victoria. I grew up there on a farm and moved to Melbourne when I was 18.
The thing about travel I missed during Covid…
Having no weight on your shoulders. I’m not much of a planner so I love having no agenda for the day, apart from just enjoying the place I’m visiting. I miss the feeling of being in a new place and not having any expectations.
When borders lift, the first place I’d go is…
Japan. I was meant to go in May 2020 with my partner. I’ve been there before – it’s the coolest place and I can’t wait to go back.
The place that most surprised me was…
Hong Kong. It was just awesome and a little bit futuristic. I’d love to go back with friends and explore the nightlife.
The sickest I’ve been on holiday…
I must have caught gastro in Cinque Terre. Not fun at all. We were staying in an Airbnb up in the hills. There were so many stairs and I was so sick throughout our stay, I didn’t leave my room.
The souvenir I always buy…
Clothes, particularly T-shirts. I also enjoy doing typography in sketch books so if I see a nice pen or a nice notebook I’ll pick up one of those.
Travel has taught me…
Have a look around and take it all in. I find your state of mind plays a huge role in how you perceive a place. Even being in Melbourne right now, I’ll ask myself,
“If I was visiting this place for the first time, where would I want to go?” Changing the way you look at things, and getting curious about where you are can make a huge difference.
My weirdest things I’ve eaten while travelling is...
In Japan, Mum and I ordered sliced raw chicken. It must have had a sauce on it that partially cooked it, but we should have ordered something else. It was kind of like chicken sashimi.
My go-to room service dish is…
Definitely something from the dessert menu.
Most memorable hotel…
The capsule hotel in Japan. It was like staying in your own coffin, but more spacious.
My advice for young travellers is…
Don’t rush yourself. Looking back on my earlier holidays, I often made the mistake trying to get as much into the trip as possible. Now, if I did it again, I’d take my time and enjoy the experience.